After clearing the table of trash and taking a short break, Hermione turned to Glenn. "When should we go see Professor Dumbledore?"
The two had already informed Dumbledore about their plan to use the Teleportation Door to travel to the Dragon Nation on their birthdays. Although the old bee hadn't specifically asked them to notify him beforehand, Hermione felt it was only proper to follow the formalities.
Glenn, however, didn't think much of it. Dumbledore's lack of such a requirement likely stemmed from his trust in him and Hermione. Still, Hermione's sense of responsibility was a good thing—it showed she was a conscientious and thoughtful young lady.
When Dumbledore heard about their plan, he agreed without hesitation. In fact, he even cheerfully asked if the two would allow an old man like him to join their birthday celebration as a friend.
"Of course!" Hermione exclaimed in delight. She hadn't expected Professor Dumbledore to want to celebrate her and Glenn's birthdays, and the thought filled her with joy. She seemed to want to say more but hesitated. After a moment of contemplation, she finally asked, "Um, if it's alright, I'd also like to invite Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape to join us. After all, you've all taken such great care of Glenn and me over the years, and I'd love to introduce you to my parents." The young girl blinked up at Dumbledore with hopeful eyes. "It could double as a home visit, couldn't it, Professor?"
"Of course, Hermione. I'd be honored to attend your and Glenn's birthday party. I'm sure Minerva and Severus would agree if they're available. I'll pass along the invitation," Dumbledore replied with a warm smile, patting Hermione's bushy head.
"It's a pity Professor Snape isn't free today," Hermione said with a touch of regret. Although Snape had been rather harsh with her before, it didn't affect the camaraderie she felt with her stern professor.
A few days ago, after a Potions class, Snape had summoned the two to his office. He curtly declined Hermione's invitation, citing prior commitments on the 19th. Then, with his usual unpleasant demeanor, he locked the two in his office, forcing them to sort potions for him while he went to Diagon Alley to shop for supplies.
"Of course, if you do a good job today, Mr. Hawthorne and Miss Granger, I might consider picking out birthday gifts for the two of you," Snape had said in his slow, drawling tone, completely ignoring Hermione's indignant protests. "However, if your performance fails to meet my expectations... well, let's just say the consequences won't be pleasant." With that, he locked the door behind him, leaving the two to their task.
Glenn understood his Head of House's reasoning. Snape simply didn't want to bother with unnecessary socializing and wasn't interested in such events. That was just his way of dealing with the world—detached and indifferent. Perhaps something in his past had shaped this attitude.
Glenn didn't concern himself with such matters. It wasn't his place to meddle in someone else's life. Some things couldn't be resolved with outside help alone.
However, if Hermione was determined to help Snape break free from his negativity, Glenn wouldn't mind spending some time brainstorming solutions. But that was a matter for another day.
"Professor McGonagall, on the other hand, seemed to have no plans and agreed right away," Hermione said happily. She was clearly thrilled that her favorite professor and Head of House had accepted her invitation to her and Glenn's birthday party. "Let's hurry! The appointed time is almost here. If we leave now, we'll arrive in the Dragon Nation just in time for dinner. And we can't keep Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall waiting too long."
Hermione could barely contain her excitement. She scooped up Crookshanks in one arm, grabbed Glenn's hand with the other, and dashed towards the gargoyle statue on the third floor.
"Fizzing Whizzbees!" Hermione called out loudly as she approached the gargoyle, reciting the password Dumbledore had given her. The statue stepped aside upon hearing the correct phrase.
Hermione froze for a moment, her steps faltering briefly.
Had she just seen something in the gargoyle's eyes? Was that... gratitude?
Yes, she hadn't imagined it. Though Hermione hadn't yet mastered the power of Sanctity, she could keenly sense positive emotions like this.
But there was no time to dwell on it. The young girl waved cheerfully at the gargoyle before pulling Glenn onto the moving staircase.
The gargoyle watched as the two disappeared into the ascending passageway. Then, instead of returning to its usual stoic position, it gazed after them with a look of satisfaction.
What a polite and respectful young lady! It thought. So considerate of others!
You, boy! You could learn a thing or two from her!
Yes, you, Hawthorne! Your rude behavior is an affront to my dignity as a guardian, you know that?
Just as Glenn was about to knock on the door to the Headmaster's office, he felt a tickle in his nose. But with remarkable self-control, he stifled the sneeze.
Glenn frowned. Was he falling ill?
Impossible, he thought. His lifestyle and hygiene habits were impeccable. Illness seemed unlikely.
Activating his heightened perception, Glenn entered a state of inner focus to examine his body thoroughly. He found no abnormalities.
Still, the absence of evidence didn't mean there was no issue. Glenn decided to take precautions. Falling ill would weaken his immune system and leave him vulnerable. Better safe than sorry.
When Dumbledore called for them to enter, he was surprised to see Hermione leading Glenn into the room. Glenn's ears were steaming, and he was downing colorful potions one after another.
Professor McGonagall, seated on a nearby sofa, also looked puzzled. Was Glenn unwell?
Before she could ask, Hermione waved dismissively, Crookshanks still in her arms. "It's just one of his episodes. Nothing to worry about."
Crookshanks, McGonagall, and Dumbledore: ...Alright then.
Glenn also gestured for the professors to ignore him.
"When are we leaving?" Hermione asked Dumbledore, nudging Glenn, who had finally stopped drinking potions but whose ears were still emitting steam.
Glenn understood her cue. With a flip of his left hand, the black ring on his finger glowed, and he retrieved the Teleportation Door, placing it on the floor.
"Just a moment. Let me make some 'minor preparations,'" Dumbledore said with a chuckle. He drew out his peculiar wand, which emitted tiny white lights as he waved it, enveloping the entire office in a soft glow.
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